The opening day of the second week of the 2021 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League in Rimini (Italy) concluded with the win of Russia over the USA.
The men’s world volleyball classic between Russia and the USA closed the first day of Week 2 (the fourth round). The former prevailed in four sets, partially 25-22, 25-19, 17-25, and 25-19, noting the third win to which they were led by Egor Kliuka (17 points and 73.3 % digs; 12/15).
The host Italy beat Bulgaria, whose head coach Silvano Prandi rested several starters (including Tsvetan Sokolov) in the tie-break. Interestingly, in the 10th game between the Men’s and Women’s tournaments, this was the first victory for any of the Italy national teams at the VNL 2021. The ’Azzurri’ thus escaped the last place in the standings. Alessandro Michieletto was Italy’s top scorer with 21 points, while Gianluca Galassi made 4 blocks and an 84.6 % attack (11/13).
Men’s VNL, round 4:
Germany – Argentina 2-3 (19-25, 25-23, 25-17, 23-25, 13-15)
Iran – Canada 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-22)
Japan – Serbia 1-3 (25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 13-25)
Brazil – France 0-3 (37-39, 18-25, 22-25, 13-25)
Netherlands – Slovenia 0-3 (18-25, 15-25, 18-25)
Australia – Poland 0-3 (16-25, 10-25, 12-25)
Italy – Bulgaria 3-2 (25-19, 20-25, 25-13, 23-25, 15-13)
Russia – USA 3-1 (25-22, 25-19, 17-25, 25-19)
